Background and Context:
The account of Paul and Barnabas being sent to Jerusalem is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. This event is a significant moment in the early Christian Church, highlighting the unity and doctrinal clarity sought by the apostles and elders in the face of emerging theological disputes.

Scriptural Reference:
The primary scriptural reference for this event is Acts 15:1-4. The passage describes a pivotal moment when certain individuals from Judea came to Antioch and began teaching that Gentile converts must be circumcised according to the custom of Moses to be saved. This teaching caused considerable debate and dissension among the believers.

Acts 15:1-4 :
"Some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, 'Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.' And after much dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, the brothers appointed Paul and Barnabas, along with some others, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. So they were sent on their way by the church, and as they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, they recounted the conversion of the Gentiles and brought great joy to all the brothers. On their arrival in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported all that God had done through them."

Theological Significance:
The sending of Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem underscores the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity and unity within the early Church. The issue at hand was not merely a cultural or ceremonial matter but a fundamental question about the nature of salvation and the requirements for Gentile believers. The insistence on circumcision as necessary for salvation was seen as a challenge to the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, a cornerstone of Christian belief.

Role of Paul and Barnabas:
Paul and Barnabas were key figures in the early Church, known for their missionary journeys and efforts to spread the Gospel among the Gentiles. Their selection to go to Jerusalem reflects their leadership and the trust placed in them by the Antioch church. Their journey to Jerusalem was not just a mission to resolve a theological dispute but also an opportunity to testify to the work God was doing among the Gentiles, thereby affirming the inclusivity of the Gospel.

The Jerusalem Council:
The journey of Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem culminated in what is known as the Jerusalem Council, a gathering of apostles and elders to deliberate on the matter. This council, as described later in Acts 15, resulted in a decisive letter to the Gentile believers, affirming that they were not required to be circumcised or adhere to the Mosaic Law to be saved. This decision was pivotal in shaping the identity of the early Church as a community open to all, regardless of ethnic or cultural background.

Impact on the Early Church:
The resolution of this dispute through the Jerusalem Council set a precedent for how the early Church would handle doctrinal disagreements. It emphasized the role of apostolic authority and communal discernment in maintaining the truth of the Gospel. The decision also reinforced the message of salvation by grace, a message that Paul would continue to champion in his epistles.

Conclusion:
The sending of Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem is a testament to the early Church's commitment to doctrinal integrity and unity. It highlights the collaborative efforts of the apostles and elders to address challenges and ensure that the Gospel message remained untainted by legalistic requirements. This event is a foundational moment in the history of the Church, illustrating the balance between tradition and the transformative power of the Gospel.